Autumn is the perfect time to move from planning to building your swimming pool! To avoid unpleasant surprises, this project must be carefully thought out and involves several stages: feasibility study, selection of professionals, submission and approval of building permits if necessary, choice of materials and equipment, project management. It takes several months to build a pool that lives up to your dreams! What's more, good builders have full order books, because all their customers are just like you: they dream of enjoying their pool next season! Here are our tips to help you bring your project to life.
Building an in-ground swimming pool is an ambitious project that generally involves three distinct phases.
The first phase, lasting from 1 to 4 months, consists of preparing the project. This includes the precise definition of your needs and the pool design, the choice of qualified service providers, and the launch of the necessary administrative procedures, such as obtaining building permits.
Then comes the construction phase, which lasts between 2 and 6 months. This stage involves the start of structural work, the assembly of the pool structure, the installation of the filtration system, and the installation of the power supply.
Finally, the last phase, which takes 1 to 2 months, concerns the finishing touches. This includes laying the pool's inner lining, installing the coping around the pool, and putting the finishing touches and water in the pool.
If you have a small garden in the city, an above-ground pool may be just what you need. Read our article dedicated to the advantages of an above-ground pool.
The construction of a swimming pool is based on a number of criteria that influence not only the initial budget, but also the long-term costs associated with energy and water consumption. It's also crucial to comply with regulatory standards, which can vary from country to country.
In addition, since January 2023 there has been a European environmental standard for private swimming pools, which requires manufacturers to categorize their pools according to an energy performance rating ranging from A (the most virtuous) to F (the most energy-intensive). This new standard can also help you choose a pool based on ecological and economic criteria.
The type of pool is a determining factor : you'll need to choose from different sizes, shapes and construction techniques (concrete, shell or ki pools). As for the water, it's essential to select an efficient filtration system and appropriate water treatment. Last but not least, you'll be offered different options for lighting, staircases and coping.
The pool house, plays a central role in the upkeep and maintenance of your pool, housing the pump, filtration system and heating equipment. If you plan to use this space as a storage area, note that for a surface area of up to 20 m², a simple declaration of works is all that's needed, while for larger areas, planning permission is required.
The choice of equipment is also crucial : depending on your budget, you can opt for manual solutions or intelligent devices integrated with home automation, such as connected water analyzers. Consider pool covers and shutters, which offer a variety of options for safety and protection, as well as additional equipment such as cleaning robots, alarms and safety barriers. Depending on your budget, you can choose manual or smart equipment, such as an ICO connected water analyzer that integrates into your home's home automation control system.
The cost of earthworks and landscaping for a swimming pool depends on its size, the type of pool, access to the site, the nature of the soil and the landscaping elements required. For example, if the soil is rocky or difficult to dig into, this will require more time and effort, while clay soil may require the creation of specific drainage solutions. A feasibility study and comparison of several quotes is strongly advised.
The budget for building a swimming pool comprises several components:
To estimate the overall budget for your future swimming pool, you can use the Simulator offered by Guide-Piscine. This handy tool allows you to compare different options and configurations in order to refine your choice according to your needs and budget.
Finally, if you're building your pool on your own or using the services of a professional, it's very important to make sure you comply with the regulations and standards in force in your country:
When building a swimming pool, it is crucial to comply with current regulations, particularly with regard to building permits. Administrative formalities vary depending on the size and characteristics of the pool.
Pools over 100 m² : Planning permission is required for any pool whose surface area exceeds 100 m². This also includes pools covered by a fixed or mobile structure over 1.80 m high.
Pools between 10 m² and 100 m² : a preliminary building permit is generally required, unless they are covered by a structure over 1.80 m high, in which case a building permit is required.
Please note that certain rules may vary if your land is located in a protected area (listed site, historic monument, nature park, etc.) or if a Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) is in force in your municipality. In these cases, additional restrictions may apply regarding the location, dimensions or even the appearance of your swimming pool. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we strongly recommend that you contact your local council to obtain all the relevant information before starting your project.
In France, all private in-ground or semi-inground swimming pools for individual or collective use (excluding removable, inflatable or above-ground pools) must be equipped with a standardised safety device since the law of 3 January 2003 (which came into force in 2004).
The owner must install at least one of the four types of equipment (barriers, alarms, shelters, blankets) in accordance with AFNOR standards.
The owner is responsible for installing and maintaining the device. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to €45,000 (Art. L.152-12 of the French Building and Housing Code).
En cas d’accident, le propriétaire peut être tenu responsable civilement et pénalement.
AFNOR standards broadly cover the design of pool surrounds or terraces, the hydraulic system and sealing components, filtration systems, water circulation and treatment, and filter media.
Find out more about AFNOR standards.
Building a swimming pool can have tax implications, considered as an improvement to your property. In France, here are some key points to consider:
When a swimming pool is built, a development tax is generally payable. The amount depends on the surface area of the pool and a rate set by the commune and département (1 m² is generally valued at €200).
It's important to declare the construction of your pool to the local tax authorities to avoid penalties. This declaration must be made within 90 days of completion. This will enable you to adjust your taxation correctly. By taking these tax aspects into account, you can better anticipate the costs associated with building your pool and avoid financial surprises.
Calling in a professional is recommended if you want an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool, as it requires a great deal of skill and guarantees compliance with standards and regulations. To carry out your project, you need to pay close attention to a number of criteria and seek out as much information as possible before committing yourself to the contractor of your choice.
To make the most of your pool next summer, don't hesitate to contact professionals in late summer or early autumn! Don't hesitate to rely on a network of approved professionals and consult customer reviews. Finally, to choose your equipment and get inspiration, there's nothing better than visiting showrooms and trade fairs and reading the trade press.
According to a study conducted by MeilleursAgents In 2021, on the sellers' side, the presence of a swimming pool can increase the value of a property by more than 16% on average, and reach nearly 20% for a house.
On the buyers' side, the trend is just as pronounced: 7 out of 10 people consider this equipment to be a decisive factor when making a purchase, according to l’étude Médiascopie carried out for the Federation of Pool Professionals.
In other words, installing a swimming pool not only allows you to enjoy unique daily comfort, but also gives a real boost to the value of your property.
What if this was the right time to make your pool project a reality?